Brown University Summer Programs for High School Kids

Larissa Kulbrick

Each summer, Brown University offers high school students the chance to experience college life at an Ivy League school, whether for a week, a month or more. Most of these summer programs offer both residential and commuter options. Students choosing the residential option stay in residence halls within walking distance of academic buildings and dining halls. All dorms are coed, with same-sex floors and shared same-sex bathrooms, and residential advisers live on site. Admission to the summer programs is on a rolling basis.

Pre-College Courses

Brown's Pre-College courses are the university's most popular summer program option. Students in ninth through 12th grade take one or two courses per session, which can last one to four weeks. Each course meets three hours a day in the morning or afternoon, Monday through Friday. In addition, students complete daily assignments, group work, site visits, labs and hands-on projects. Rising high school seniors can enroll in the seven-week Pre-College Program to earn college credit while studying alongside Brown undergraduates.

Scholar Athlete

The Scholar Athlete program gives participants the chance to experience college life as a student athlete. The one-week program includes morning practice time in either tennis or swimming, followed by afternoon coursework. Students choose from such courses as sports writing, sports physiology, or sport and society. Advanced skills in the selected sport are not necessary.

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TheatreBridge

TheatreBridge is an intensive, six-week residential program for rising high school juniors and seniors. In this highly selective program, students develop acting, writing and directing skills while creating original performance pieces. They attend daily classes (Tuesdays through Saturdays) in text, movement and improvisation. Evenings and weekends are spent rehearsing and preparing for classes. TheatreBridge students also provide front-of-house support for Brown/Trinity Playwright's Repertory Theatre productions.

Intensive English Language Program

Brown's four-week program for non-native English speakers combines intensive language study with liberal arts coursework. Students take morning classes in speaking, writing, grammar and pronunciation. In the afternoons, they choose from a variety of liberal arts electives, such as American literature, politics, poetry and music, modern art and international short fiction.

Summer Study Abroad

Students who have completed ninth grade and are at least 16 years old are eligible to participate in Brown University's Summer Study Abroad Program. Each three-week session offers immersion in the life, culture and language of the selected European country, combining academic coursework with field trips and excursions. All courses are taught in English, so proficiency in the native language is not required.

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About the Author

Larissa Kulbrick is a copywriter in Virginia. She began writing professionally in 1989 and holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Maryland College Park. Her writing has been published in "The Professional Communicator," "Fairfax Woman" and "Staffing Success" magazine. She is co-editor of several non-fiction publications.